Virginia — A CIA official was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia on Tuesday, facing charges of disclosing classified documents related to Israel’s alleged retaliation plans against Iran, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. Asif W. Rahman, identified as a CIA officer, was taken into custody on charges of unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information, according to an indictment filed in a federal court in Virginia.
The arrest of Rahman comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where intelligence sharing between the United States and its allies, including Israel, is seen as critical. The classified documents allegedly contained sensitive information about Israel’s potential military actions against Iran, details that, if leaked, could have serious diplomatic and security implications.
The circumstances surrounding Rahman’s arrest remain unclear, including how FBI agents were able to apprehend him in Cambodia. The CIA has not yet commented on the incident, and the State Department has not indicated whether Rahman’s activities in Cambodia were related to his official duties or if he had traveled there independently.
Rahman faces charges under the Espionage Act, which carries severe penalties for unauthorized handling and transmission of national defense information. If convicted, he could face significant prison time. Federal prosecutors in Virginia, where the case was filed, have not disclosed additional details about the nature of the documents or how Rahman allegedly obtained and shared the information.
The U.S. government has increased scrutiny of classified information leaks in recent years, with intelligence officials warning that such disclosures can compromise national security and endanger lives. Rahman’s case underscores the growing challenge faced by intelligence agencies in preventing insider threats and safeguarding classified materials.
The case is expected to proceed in federal court, where further details may emerge regarding the specifics of the classified information and Rahman’s alleged motivations.